CCCI elections postponed by two weeks
The Appellate Division postponed the elections of the Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) for two weeks. The seven-member appellate bench issued the stay order following an appeal by the Ministry of Commerce today. The elections, originally scheduled for November 1, have been put on hold until further notice. Earlier, on September 22, the High Court had ruled that the elections should proceed without the participation of town associations and trade groups, following a writ petition filed by businessman Mohammad Belal.
The Ministry of Commerce subsequently filed an appeal against this decision. The Appellate Division has now instructed the High Court to resolve the writ petition within two weeks, during which period the elections will not be held, according to Nihad Kabir, the lawyer representing Mohammad Belal. In the Chattogram Chamber, a total of 24 directors are elected by traders, including 12 in the general category, six in the associate category, and three each from the town associations and trade groups.
These directors then elect the president and vice-president. However, disputes arose over the eligibility of members from certain town associations and trade groups. An internal investigation by the chamber found that eight trade and town groups were largely ineffective. Mohammad Belal first sought their exclusion through the FBCCI's Alternative Dispute Resolution Tribunal and later filed a writ petition in the High Court. The Ministry of Commerce has identified four town associations as ineffective: Patiya, Boalkhali, Hathazari, and Rangunia Association of Trade and Industry.
Meanwhile, four trade groups were deemed effective: Chattogram Small Footwear Industry Owners Group, Chattogram Tire Tube Importers and Dealers Group, Chattogram Dyes and Chemicals Importers and Dealers Group, and Chattogram Milk Food Importers Group. Mohammad Belal, General Secretary of the Chattogram Garments Accessories Group, said the court has temporarily halted the elections, with a final decision expected after the High Court resolves the writ petition.
